Prevalencia de colelitiasis en pacientes de 0 a 15 años con anemia de células falciformes atendidos en el área de hematología en el Hospital del Niño Dr. Francisco de Icaza Bustamante, durante el periodo 2017-2023.

Abstract

Introduction: Sickle cell anemia is a hematological disorder that primarily affects children in developing countries. One of the most well-known complications is cholelithiasis, which causes abdominal pain and can lead to more severe complications. This study focuses on the prevalence of this condition in pediatric patients with sickle cell anemia. Objective: To determine the prevalence of cholelithiasis in patients aged 0 to 15 years with sickle cell anemia treated in the hematology department at Dr. Francisco de Icaza Bustamante Hospital during the period 2017-2023. Methods: A descriptive, observational, and retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted with 167 patients with sickle cell anemia treated in the hematology department. Patient data was collected from the Hospital Francisco Icaza Bustamante database. Statistical analysis involved calculating prevalence and the frequency of qualitative study variables. Cross-tabulations with chi-square and likelihood ratios were performed to assess the influence of variables on the study population. Results: Of the 167 patients, 22 (13.22%) had cholelithiasis. The most affected age group was 11-15 years, with a total of 11 cases. The mestizo ethnicity was predominant in the study population, and no significant differences were found between genders. Pain in the right upper quadrant was documented as the most common symptom upon admission of patients with cholelithiasis. Conclusions: The prevalence of cholelithiasis in patients with sickle cell anemia is 13.2%, with the 11-15 years age group being the most affected. Gender and ethnicity did not show significant influence in the study. These results underscore the need for continuous monitoring of patients with sickle cell anemia, especially adolescents, for early detection of cholelithiasis to ensure optimal treatment.